Sweden to Implement Stricter Requirements for Citizenship Applicants

Sweden to Implement Stricter Requirements for Citizenship Applicants

Key Insights

1. Sweden aims to impose stricter requirements for those seeking citizenship.
2. The new measures involve enhanced ID verification, strengthened security procedures, and additional screening.
3. There will be a focus on improving initial screening, especially for revoking residence permits.

The Swedish government has directed the Swedish Migration Agency to implement tighter controls for citizenship applicants.

The agency has proposed several measures, including enhanced detection of security risks, stricter ID verification, and systems to revoke residence permits when necessary.

Stricter ID Controls Among New Measures

Authorities are developing a new standard for handling, registering, and reviewing ID documents. This plan includes technical advancements like increased use of photo comparisons and specialized training for ID verification.

There will also be an internal evaluation of conditions for allowing identity verification through a close relative, or exemptions from the verified identity requirement. Currently, the Migration Agency is not permitted to take fingerprints or photos to confirm identity in citizenship cases, but the agency is calling for legislation allowing the collection of biometric data from citizenship applicants.

Plans also include increased information sharing with the security police and bolstering expertise on security threats through specialized training.

Tighter Rules for Obtaining Citizenship

In addition to these measures, Sweden has introduced stricter requirements for foreigners seeking citizenship, including mandatory language tests, cultural exams, and financial prerequisites.

Sweden Grants Citizenship to Over 33,000 Foreigners in 2024

According to the Swedish Migration Agency, 33,633 people were granted Swedish citizenship in the first half of 2024—a decrease of 11.8% compared to 2023. Syrians and Eritreans made up the largest groups, with 4,192 and 3,466 new citizens, respectively, followed by Afghans (2,519). These three nationalities accounted for 30.2% of the total new citizens.

Among EU citizens, Poles, Romanians, and Germans were the top nationalities gaining Swedish citizenship, with 1,509, 691, and 635 cases, respectively.

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